SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard is urging mariners to exercise extreme caution when venturing on or near the water due to gale force winds and a high surf advisory through Thursday morning
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), this storm is expected to produce strong rip currents, strong alongshore current, waves washing over jetties and other low lying coastal structures around the time of high tide early Thursday morning.
A high surf advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. Surf heights are predicted to increase to six to 10 feet this evening along west facing beaches with gusts and wind chop to add more than three feet.
A gale warning remains in effect until 4 a.m. Thursday. Winds are expected to reach 25-30 knots with 50-knot gusts.
Mariners are urged to check that all of their safety equipment is on board and in good condition before going underway. This includes a properly fitted personal flotation device for everyone aboard, navigation lights, distress signals and a fire extinguisher. Safety equipment requirements vary by size and type of vessel, for more information visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/.
In addition to required distress signals, boaters are strongly encouraged to have a VHF marine radio on board to monitor weather conditions, communicate with other mariners and call for help in the event of an emergency.
Mariners are also advised to ensure their boat is properly secured at its slip, mooring or anchor, as boats may break free during the storm.
For the National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories, click the following link: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/warnings.php?wfo=sgx
